Minnesota Vikings: Ponder is quarterback of the (near) future

Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, center, gets a bear hug from tackle Matt Kalil, right, after Ponder scored a touchdown on a 6-yard keeper in the second quarter. At left is Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson. (Pioneer Press: Ben Garvin)

ARLINGTON, Tex. -- The Vikings have found their quarterback of the future. At least, as far into the future as this Thursday at the Metrodome.

"As we speak, I don't see why we would make a change," coach Leslie Frazier said of the quarterback position, manned Sunday by Christian Ponder.

"Sometimes after ballgames you make emotional decisions," Frazier said, "but I don't see anything that tells me he shouldn't start against the Redskins."

So Ponder will start Thursday night against Washington.

"He's got to make some good decisions in good situations," the coach said. "He did some good things, but he will tell you he can do better."

If it sounds familiar, it's because Frazier has been critiquing Ponder the same way for 2-1/2 seasons.

Sunday against the Cowboys, Ponder completed 25 of 37 passes for 236 yards. He had one touchdown, one interception and a final quarterback rating of 82.7. All in all, he was adequate.

So there will be no quarterback mystery heading into Thursday's game. And it might be good for the offense to be able to rally around one quarterback. Perhaps that's what it needs.

"It's what I need," Ponder said. "I need to be out there playing. I'm happy that I'm out here playing, but losing sucks. We've got to make sure that we get this turned around and go out there and win."

Ponder led several long scoring drives, spotting his receivers and unloading quickly and accurately. The offense functioned pretty well early out of the no-huddle.

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Ponder also took a hit and fumbled in the end zone, and threw an ugly looking interception.

"We're not making plays like we did last year," Ponder said. "We have too many turnovers, and we're missing plays that need to be made."

"I think he came in today and controlled (the offense)" said Adrian Peterson, who ran for 140 yards after gaining 150 combined in his previous three games. "He was able to manage the offense and make plays when we needed him to make plays. He made the Cowboys' defense play more honest. He performed well today.''

Ponder, who grew up in nearby Grapevine, Tex., had family in the stands for Sunday's game.

"It was a good experience to get back here and be home and play in this stadium and have family come and watch," he said. "But it's a tough experience when you lose."